A Tragic accident occurred in the early hours of Sunday at Atura Bus Stop, inbound Badagry, Lagos, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals. The collision involved a 16-seater commercial Mazda bus and a DAF truck, leaving the community in mourning.
According to Olalekan Bakare-Oki, General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the incident was confirmed to be a grievous and fatal crash. “This heart-wrenching incident is a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for all road users to embrace caution. No journey should end in such tragedy. May the Almighty grant the deceased eternal rest and console those left behind,” he stated.
The accident involved a Mazda bus with registration number KJA 811 YF and a DAF truck marked T1 4636 LA. The collision instantly claimed the lives of eight passengers, including the bus driver and conductor. The scene left a community in profound grief, as the impact was described as catastrophic with little chance for escape or survival for many of those on board.
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LASTMA operatives, working alongside personnel from the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Nigeria Police Force (Morogbo Division), and the 244 Battalion of the Nigerian Army (Ibereko Barracks), responded swiftly to the scene. Their coordinated efforts led to the rescue of eight survivors, all reportedly sustained varying degrees of trauma, and they were immediately transported to the General Hospital in Badagry for urgent medical treatment.
Preliminary investigations suggest that excessive speed by the bus driver caused the loss of control, resulting in the disastrous crash. Bakare-Oki, who personally visited the accident site, expressed his condolences and prayed for strength for the bereaved families. “This incident underscores the critical importance of caution and adherence to safety protocols on our roads,” he remarked.
In his message to the public, Bakare-Oki warned commercial and heavy-duty vehicle operators to avoid excessive speeding, ensure their vehicles are properly maintained, and strictly follow safety guidelines. “This tragic loss of life could have been prevented if defensive driving and vehicular safety measures were upheld. Speed remains a silent killer on our highways,” he emphasized.
The LASTMA chief also highlighted the agency’s shift towards a comprehensive incident management strategy, aligned with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus Agenda. This approach emphasizes preventive safety measures, rapid emergency response, and infrastructural advancements in urban mobility. “We are no longer just controlling traffic; we are managing emergencies, mitigating disasters, and saving lives,” he explained.
Additionally, Bakare-Oki announced the deployment of speed-limiting devices at key hotspots across Lagos as part of the government’s broader effort to reduce road accidents, protect commuters, and promote a culture of safety and compliance.
Expressing gratitude, Bakare-Oki extended appreciation to sister agencies—FRSC, the Nigeria Police, and the Nigerian Army—for their prompt and coordinated response. “Their professionalism and bravery played a crucial role in containing the aftermath of this tragedy,” he said.
While commending the bravery of LASTMA officers who arrived first at the scene, he called on all road users to exercise greater caution, maintain situational awareness, and demonstrate civic responsibility, especially along intercity routes where speed, fatigue, and inattentiveness often lead to disaster.
“LASTMA remains unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding lives, maintaining order, and fostering a safer, more humane environment for all Lagosians,” Bakare-Oki affirmed. The bodies of the deceased were later transported to General Hospital and deposited in the mortuary.